What to Do If You’re Fully Vaccinated For COVID-19
Updated May 19, 2021
Now that you’re fully vaccinated,(which means that youreceivedboth doses of the vaccine fromModernaor Pfizer-BioNTech or the single Johnson & Johnson jabat least two weeks ago),younolonger need to wear a mask or physically distance inmostsettings,excludingpublic transportation (including airplanes and buses), hospitals and nursing homes,andunlessfederal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, local businesses or workplaces indicate otherwise,according to.In keeping with this recent health policy change,isliftingmostpandemic-related capacity restrictionsand wavingmask mandates outdoors for fullyvaccinated people,except in certain crowded settings and venues.
Butdon’t throw away your mask yet,cautionsRoy M. Gulick, MD,RochelleBelferProfessor in Medicine, Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases.“Weknow that even with the best COVID-19 vaccines, 5% of vaccinated people can still catch the virus, although almost always with no symptoms or just mild illness,” Dr. Gulick says. “Emerging data suggest that the vaccine reduces both symptomatic and asymptomatic infection(viral carriage) by up to 90%, which leaves a small (5%-10%) chance of transmitting or acquiring infection,” he says.Plus, he adds, “Some of the newer viral variants are less susceptible to the vaccine-generated immune responses.”
The CDC urgesfully vaccinated peopletocontinue wearingamask in correctional facilities and homeless shelters, while still recommendingfor unvaccinated people.It also suggests that people with immunocompromising conditions, including those taking immunosuppressive medications (for instance drugs, such as mycophenolate and rituximab, to suppress rejection of transplanted organs or to treat rheumatologic conditions), speak with their healthcare provider about the need for additional protective measures after vaccination.
Althoughbeingfully vaccinatedallows you toresumemostactivitieswithout wearing a mask or maintaining physical distance,keep in mindthatthe virusis still spreading.With37% oftheU.S.fully vaccinated andnearlyhalfof the populationhavingreceived at least one doseof a COVID-19 vaccine,the country isfar fromthe70% to 85%itneedsto achieveherd immunity and stopthe disease from spreading.
What’s more, no one knows how long vaccine-provided immunity lasts. “Emerging data suggest that up to 90% of people who receive vaccinesremainprotected up to six months later,” Dr. Gulick says. “The original vaccine studies will continue for two years, so we will have more up-to-date and longer data in the future.”.
Meanwhile,givesfully vaccinated peoplea green light to, among other things,resume activities without wearing masks or physically distancing, except where instructed otherwise;and to resumedomesticand internationaltravelwithout testing (unless required by local, state, or territorial health authoritiesor their destination)orundergoingself-quarantine.
You may also schedule long overdue doctor and dentist appointments, although you may want to postpone your mammogram for four to six weeks after you are fullyvaccinated, since the normal underarm swelling following vaccination could cause a false reading.
Finally,keep your vaccine record card safe.You may need it as, work, or attend large events. It will indicate which vaccine you received, and when you received it, which you’ll need to know should you require a booster dose. We don't know how long immunity from the vaccines will last, and though they should provide some protection against the current variants, booster shots may be necessary if immunity wears off or fails to protect against future strains.
Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine appointments are available to our patients.Sign up for Connect todayto schedule your vaccination. Review the latest onCOVID-19 vaccines.